CHARITY

Although AKIRA’s eclectic offerings and knowledgeable stylists have earned AKIRA its renown, its co-founders—Erikka Wang and Eric Hsueh, —attribute the company’s success to their loyal customers. As a way of giving back to the communities who have supported it so loyally over the years, AKIRA has benefited over 200 charities with fashion shows, in-store parties, and website promotions. These charities include Make a Wish, Unicef, the American Red Cross, and the Special Olympics.

Every fall since 2003, AKIRA has partnered with one-on-one cancer charity Imerman Angels to host a blowout Garden of Eden fashion show. Over the years, the venue has increased in size to accommodate growing audiences, as has the number of models walking in the show. In 2011, 40 FORD models strutted the runway at Grossinger City Autoplex, 8 clothing labels sponsored the ensembles, and 10 restaurants set up tasting stations on-site. After all was said & done, the show raised $30,000 for Imerman Angels' cancer support efforts. This year, in honor of the brand’s 10th anniversary, AKIRA is donating the event’s proceeds to five local charities.